IQNA

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in separate messages to heads of Muslim states congratulated them and Muslims around the world on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

In the congratulatory messages, the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani hoped that by acting upon the verses of the Holy Quran, all Muslims will walk the path of being a good servant of God and enhancing Islamic fraternity.

He also hoped that with the blessing of the holy month, peace and calm will prevail across the globe, according to president.ir.

Describing Ramadan as an opportunity for Muslims to benefit the most from worshipping God, Rouhani wished God’s acceptance of their acts of worship for heads of Muslim countries and felicity and glory for Muslims worldwide.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks the most special of all occasions for Muslims. It is a celebration of the descent of the Word of God, the Quran, from Heaven to the earth.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. Abstaining from food and drink, and from other bodily pleasures, is a crucial element of the observation. To partake in the blessings of Ramadan, able-bodied women and men, also girls and boys who have reached the age of religious observance, are required to fast for the duration of this month.

At the end of each fasting day, Muslims break their day-long fast with an “Iftar” meal.

Ramadan is more than abstinence from food and drink during the hours of daylight. It is a time for contemplation, devotion and remembrance of God, especially through the reading or recitation of the Quran.

Tending to the welfare of the less fortunate members of the community, giving to the poor -especially at the end of the month- is also important.

Intensive self-reflection and increased God-consciousness during the month of Ramadan is meant to subdue and suppress familiar misdeeds, such as backbiting, holding grudges and telling lies.